The International Mountain Explorers Connection was founded in 1996 in Boulder, Colorado to promote responsible and sustainable connections between travelers and the people of developing mountain regions of the world. Through its Porter Assistance Project, IMEC is focusing its efforts on improving the working conditions for porters on Kilimanjaro and in Nepal.

Promoting Sustainable Tourism

According to the World Tourism Organization (WTO), Nepal and Tanzania are among the 10 poorest countries in the world, yet of the least developed countries are in the top three in terms of tourism revenue. The International Mountain Explorers Connection is actively following the WTO Sustainable Tourism Eliminating Poverty (STEP) program to promote responsible, sustainable tourism that facilitates benefits from tourism "trickling down" to all members of the local population.

Local Offices

In addition to Boulder, Colorado, we currently have offices near Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania and,
in collaboration with Kathmandu Environmental Education Project, at their Porter Clothing Bank in Kathmandu, Nepal. These offices store gear for the porters, raise awareness among tourists regarding porter issues, and conduct educational programs for the porters.